Amy Schumer has long been one of the most polarizing yet celebrated figures in comedy. With her razor-sharp wit and unapologetically bold humor, she once redefined what it meant to be a modern, feminist comic on shows like Inside Amy Schumer. However, in her latest Netflix venture, Kinda Pregnant, the beloved comedian seems to have lost some of that spark. Despite her best efforts, the film struggles to ignite the kind of laughs that once made her a household name. In this detailed review, we delve deep into what went wrong with Kinda Pregnant and why it lands a disappointing 2/5 rating.
Kinda Pregnant Review: A Disappointing Turn
In Kinda Pregnant, Amy Schumer plays Lainy, a Brooklyn schoolteacher who is desperate to start a family. The premise is simple yet ripe with potential: a woman on the cusp of engagement decides to fake a pregnancy when her best friend reveals her own pregnancy news. The idea could have been a goldmine for fresh, irreverent humor, especially given Schumer’s history of tackling taboo subjects with biting satire. Instead, the film feels like a rehash of outdated studio comedies, relying on slapstick and pratfalls that, unfortunately, don’t quite hit the mark.
Schumer’s character, Lainy, is written as an over-the-top, unhinged persona whose antics are meant to capture the absurdity of modern relationships and societal expectations around motherhood. Yet, what could have been a nuanced exploration of the pressures women face turns into a series of predictable gags. The film’s humor often leans too heavily on crude physical comedy and recycled jokes that have long lost their edge. Instead of evolving her comedic style to reflect the complexities of today’s world, Kinda Pregnant seems stuck in the past, desperately trying to revive the broad humor of old-school studio comedies.
Kinda Pregnant Review: The Plot and Its Pitfalls
The narrative of Kinda Pregnant revolves around Lainy’s journey through the trials of modern dating, the pressures of impending motherhood, and the bittersweet rivalry between those who choose to have children and those who opt to remain child-free. Lainy, caught between her own desire for a family and the realization that her best friend, Kate, is already pregnant, concocts a wild plan: to fake her own pregnancy.
From the outset, the film hints at an interesting commentary on the societal expectations placed upon women, especially regarding the notion of “biological clocks” and the fear of missing out on motherhood. However, rather than exploring these themes with the incisiveness that Schumer is known for, the movie opts for a series of disjointed set pieces. One moment, you see Lainy stuffing random objects under her shirt to simulate a baby bump; the next, she’s involved in a farcical scene that echoes the same tired gags from previous, more successful comedies.
There’s a fleeting moment of promise when the film touches on the genuine insecurities that come with witnessing a close friend’s pregnancy—a topic that could have provided some depth and relatability. Yet, any attempt at levity or poignant reflection is quickly buried under a barrage of over-exaggerated physical humor. The result is a film that feels both derivative and out-of-touch with contemporary audiences.
Kinda Pregnant Review: Amy Schumer’s Performance
Amy Schumer’s reputation as a comedic powerhouse is well-established. When she is on form, she can transform a mundane scenario into a riotous affair with a mere look or a perfectly timed line. Unfortunately, in Kinda Pregnant, her performance is marred by the subpar script and dated material. While there are flashes of her characteristic bravado and willingness to push boundaries, these moments are few and far between.
In her role as Lainy, Schumer tries to balance vulnerability with absurdity, but the script leaves little room for genuine emotional resonance. The jokes, rather than feeling fresh, often come off as forced and uninspired. There are scenes where Schumer’s natural timing and charisma should have carried the moment, yet the underlying material is so weak that even her best efforts can’t save it. The film’s reliance on physical comedy—while occasionally effective in a slapstick sense—ultimately undermines the potential for any substantial character development or social commentary.
Supporting performances, including those by Jillian Bell as Kate and Damon Wayans Jr. as Lainy’s less-than-admirable partner Dave, add to the overall sense of a miscast ensemble. Bell does offer a semblance of grounding as the voice of reason amidst the chaos, but even her contributions are limited by the predictable narrative arc. Damon Wayans Jr. plays a character that is more of a caricature than a fully fleshed-out individual, contributing little to the story beyond his function as a foil to Schumer’s frantic energy.
Kinda Pregnant Review: Writing, Direction, and Production
The film is co-written by Amy Schumer and Julie Paiva, with Tyler Spindel at the helm as director. Despite the combined pedigree, the writing feels lackluster and overly reliant on past formulas. Schumer’s earlier work, particularly her groundbreaking sketch show Inside Amy Schumer, was celebrated for its sharp, incisive humor that critiqued social norms with a keen eye. In Kinda Pregnant, however, the dialogue and situations feel regressive, echoing tropes that have been done to death.
Tyler Spindel’s direction is competent enough, yet it is clear that the material itself is the primary issue. The film’s pacing suffers from an uneven structure, with the narrative oscillating between moments that attempt to evoke sincere emotion and those that aim for cheap laughs. The transition between these tonal shifts is jarring, making it difficult for the viewer to invest in the story. Instead of a cohesive narrative, we are left with a series of loosely connected vignettes that fail to build momentum or offer a satisfying payoff.
From a production standpoint, Kinda Pregnant adheres to the typical Netflix aesthetic—overlit scenes, a polished look that sometimes lacks the organic warmth of a more natural setting. The film’s 100-minute runtime is packed with scenes that feel both overcooked and underdeveloped. There is an abundance of cameo appearances and moments designed to check off a list of “funny” scenarios, yet very few of them deliver the punch expected from a film headlined by Amy Schumer.
Kinda Pregnant Review: Themes and Social Commentary
One of the aspects that could have set Kinda Pregnant apart is its potential to comment on the modern female experience, especially the pressures around motherhood and the dichotomy between being child-free and wanting children. Schumer’s earlier work often delved into these subjects with a refreshing mix of humor and critical insight. Here, the film hints at these issues—the societal pressure on women to conform to certain roles, the fear of being left behind as friends and peers move forward with their lives—but it never fully explores these themes in depth.
The concept of faking a pregnancy, which should provide a fertile ground for both humor and poignant commentary, is instead treated as a mere plot device to generate physical gags. While there are moments that touch on the isolation and desperation felt by a woman who has longed for motherhood, these are quickly overshadowed by scenes of absurdity. The film tries to blend magical realism elements with its narrative, such as moments where the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur in Brooklyn’s quirky backdrop, but even these attempts feel muddled and underdeveloped.
In a world where audiences crave authenticity and innovative storytelling, Kinda Pregnant seems to fall back on clichés and outdated comedic tropes. The result is a film that not only fails to challenge the status quo but also misses an opportunity to offer a fresh perspective on topics that are highly relevant today. The potential for incisive social commentary is there, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
Kinda Pregnant Review: Audience Reception and Impact
Since its release on Netflix, Kinda Pregnant has generated a mixed response from audiences. While die-hard Amy Schumer fans may find some solace in her trademark humor and unabashed style, the broader audience appears to be largely underwhelmed. Social media platforms are abuzz with critiques, with many viewers expressing disappointment over the film’s failure to live up to the expectations set by Schumer’s earlier work.
Some viewers have noted that the film’s attempts at physical comedy and pratfalls are reminiscent of older comedies that do not resonate with today’s more nuanced humor. There is a growing sentiment that Kinda Pregnant is a relic of a bygone era, trying to force a style of comedy that no longer connects with modern sensibilities. Comments range from mild disappointment to outright derision, with many fans lamenting that Schumer’s talent has been squandered on a script that feels both tired and uninspired.
Critics have also highlighted the film’s uneven tone as a major drawback. The oscillation between absurd humor and moments of attempted sincerity creates a jarring experience that can leave viewers unsure of how to respond. This inconsistency is a recurring theme in the reviews, suggesting that while the film has its moments of brilliance, they are too few and far between to redeem an otherwise lackluster project.
The overall impact of Kinda Pregnant on Schumer’s career is yet to be fully determined. While a few standout performances and humorous set pieces are enough to remind us of her potential, the film as a whole may dampen the expectations for future projects. It serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of relying on past formulas without evolving the comedic narrative to match the times.
Kinda Pregnant Review: Final Verdict
After a thorough examination of Kinda Pregnant, it is clear that the film is a mixed bag, leaning heavily on Amy Schumer’s established persona while failing to break new ground. The physical humor and outrageous gags that once defined Schumer’s career now feel repetitive and outdated. Although there are glimmers of the incisive, bold comedy that made her a star, they are too infrequent to elevate the overall experience.
The film’s storyline, which had the potential to delve into meaningful themes around womanhood, jealousy, and societal expectations, instead settles for a series of predictable, albeit occasionally funny, sketches. The lack of a coherent narrative and the failure to fully explore the rich, complex emotions associated with pregnancy and friendship ultimately result in a film that is more of a nostalgic echo than a refreshing new take.
For fans who have followed Amy Schumer’s career and appreciated her earlier work, Kinda Pregnant may still offer some entertainment value. However, for those seeking innovative humor and a compelling, modern narrative, the film falls short. It is a reminder that even established talents must continuously evolve to keep pace with changing audience tastes.
In conclusion, Kinda Pregnant is a comedy that, while occasionally amusing, ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. It scores a disappointing 2/5, largely due to its reliance on outdated humor and a weak plot that fails to capture the vibrant, sharp-witted spirit of its star. For viewers looking for something new and fresh from Amy Schumer, this film might not be worth the watch. Yet, it serves as an important stepping stone in understanding the limitations of certain comedic styles in today’s dynamic entertainment landscape.